Modular structural framing system

ABSTRACT

A framing system (10) is disclosed including three-dimensional structural members (12, 14) formed from planar panels (16) having their edges removably secured together by provisions (48) including slide connectors (66, 174) which receive lugs (52) slideably received in and abutting with latches (56). The panels (16) include interconnect ports (22) having integral, concentric tubes (24). The exterior faces (18) of the structural members (12, 14) are abutted together, with the structural members (12, 14) being clamped by a clamp (28) having a central wall (30) abutting with the tubes (24) and first and second side walls (32, 34) abutting with the free faces (25) of the tubes (24). Relative rotation is prevented between the clamp (28) and the structural members (12, 14) by detents (44) formed in the clamp (28) which are received in notches (26) formed in the free face (25) of the tubes (24). A hanging accessory (114) includes an end plate (116) having a U-shaped channel (120) formed therein and a cable (122) secured thereto. By sliding the U-shaped channel (120) over the thickness of the tube (24), the hanging accessory (114) is able to pass through the port (22) and be oriented to abut with the tube (24). Provisions (84) are also provided for attaching accessories including a sleeve (86) having a removable cover (88). The sleeve (86) includes a cylindrical portion (96) slideably received in the ports (22) and having detents (102) slideable through the notches (26) of the tubes (24) and abuttable with the tubes (24) intermediate the notches (26).

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to modular structural framingsystems, and particularly to attachment panels, clamps, and interconnectapparatus therefor.

The craft of building structures is well known. Typical wood framingutilizing 2 inch by 4 inch (5 cm by 10 cm) studs has been used forconstruction for many years, with metal studs being used more recently.Further, steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, and other materials have beenused for fabricating tubing, channel, "T" or "I" beams, and likestructural members. Typically, studs and other structural members arejoined together with nails, barbed plates, bolts, rivets, and the like.Other structures utilized columns and beams connected by other methodsof fastening including rope lashing, special notch cutting, mitering andnesting techniques, and the like to obtain strong and simple connectionsto build a variety of structures. As time progressed, building materialssuch as stone, wood, steel, and more recently composites have becomestandardized in size, weight, and strength. The introduction of truss orspace frames allowed building materials to have reduced structural massand increased span resulting in higher strength to weight ratios.However, most construction practice used in fastening buildingstructural components of a structure together still rely upon commondevices such as nails, rivets, bolts, and like fasteners. Also, buildingmaterials are generally of a solid mass or unitized truss memberrequiring the maximum space for storage or transport. Further, quickconnect/disconnect fastening mechanisms for structural members so thatthey can be rapidly assembled and disassembled without compromisingstructural strength are known such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,721.However, such fastening mechanisms utilized clamping mechanismsextending around the periphery of portions of the structural membersthus restricting the configuration thereof and/or location of theattachment of one structural member to another, i.e. an in-line end tubeconnection will not attach to the side wall of another tube, etc., andoften would not allow communication through the fastening mechanism.Also, prior quick connect/disconnect fastening mechanisms may only jointogether respective male/female structural members by a change inorientation and by radial translation and/or displacement of one or moremembers to interfit the male/female interface.

Thus, a need exists for modular structural framing systems includingcomponents which overcome the disadvantages of prior fasteningmechanisms.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves these needs and other problems in the fieldof framing systems by providing, in the preferred form, an interconnectapparatus including a clamp which is removably locatable in ports ofabutting first and second structural members for abutting with the portsand the opposite faces of the first and second structural members andclamping the first and second structural members together.

In other preferred aspects of the present invention, the structuralmembers are formed from attachment panels secured together by theiredges. In a preferred form, the interconnect port includes a tubeintegrally extending from the plate beyond the interior face to allowminimizing the thickness of the plate.

Also in a preferred form, the edges of the attachment panels areremovably secured together by the receipt of free edges of a pluralityof spaced lugs extending from the edges of the panels in the latchingedges of a plurality of complementary spaced latches.

It is then an object of the present invention to provide a novel modularstructural framing system.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system providing an optimum of design flexibility withconcurrent engineering analysis for safe, trouble-free building.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system having a high strength-to-weight ratio for structuralsupport.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system which is quick and easy to assemble without the use oftools thereby reducing labor costs and with a connection strength forsafety and durability.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system reducing the time for structural component assembly aswell as the construction of the resulting structures from the assembledcomponents, which is especially important when time is a constraint inthe assembly and construction of the structures being built.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system having modular interlocking components interconnectableat multiple locations on all sides and at the ends.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system requiring fewer components to save in unnecessaryinventory build-up and cost.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system allowing all sizes of beams, columns, intersections fordifferent loads, spans, and working heights to be made from the samecomponents and specifically does not require different size trusses orspace frames for different loads and spans.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system which can be stored and transported knocked-down.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system utilizing structural members (and particularly cubes)formed from a common, locking panel which can be formed by amanufacturing process utilizing a single tool, die, or the like.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelframing system providing hollow structural members connected togetherwith passage therebetween.

These and further objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome clearer in light of the following detailed description of anillustrative embodiment of this invention described in connection withthe drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiment may best be described by reference to theaccompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded, perspective view of a modular structuralframing system according to the preferred teachings of the presentinvention, with portions being shown in phantom.

FIG. 2 shows a partial, exploded, perspective view of the modularstructural framing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular structural framingsystem of FIG. 1 according to section line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular structural framingsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a top, plan view of the clamp of the modular structuralframing system of FIG. 1 in its insertion shape.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular structural framingsystem of FIG. 1 according to section line 6--6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular structural framingsystem of FIG. 1 according to section line 7--7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a partial, cross-sectional view of the modular structuralframing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded, perspective view of the welded truss of themodular structural framing system of FIG. 1.

All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings ofthe present invention only; the extensions of the Figures with respectto number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to formthe preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skillof the art after the following teachings of the present invention havebeen read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensionalproportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similarrequirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after thefollowing teachings of the present invention have been read andunderstood.

Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numeralsdesignate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms"first", "second", "end", "interior", "exterior", "face", "edge", andsimilar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these termshave reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it wouldappear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only tofacilitate describing the invention.

DESCRIPTION

A modular structural framing system according to the preferred teachingsof the present invention is shown in the drawings and generallydesignated 10. In the most preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, system 10 is an improvement of the type shown and describedin International Publication No. WO 93/12345. For purpose of explanationof the basic teachings of the present invention, the same numeralsdesignate the same or similar parts in the present figures and thefigures of International Publication No. WO 93/12345. The description ofthe common numerals and system 10 may be found herein and inInternational Publication No. WO 93/12345, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

System 10 includes first and second, hollow, structural truss members 12and 14 shown in a preferred form as hollow parallelepipeds, and in thepreferred form as right parallelepipeds including but not limited tocubes. Specifically, hollow structural members 12 and 14 includeattachment panels 16 secured by their edges to form and define thehollow interior, with panels 16 being planar when members 12 and 14 arein the form of parallelepipeds and being generally of the same size andshape when members 12 and 14 are in the form of cubes. Panels 16 includefirst, exterior faces 18 and second, interior faces 20 defining a panelthickness. Interconnect ports 22 of the same shape and size are formedin each of panels 16 extending through faces 18 and 20, with ports 22being symetrical in the preferred form and shown as being cylindrical inshape in the most preferred form. A tube 24 having a cross sectioncorresponding to the shape of port 22 integrally extends from panel 16beyond second, interior face 20, with tube 24 having a free end defininga third panel face 25 generally parallel to and spaced from faces 18 and20. Notches 26 are formed in the free end of tube 24 and arecircumferentially spaced from each other such as 30° apart. Tube 24 isgenerally cylindrical-shaped and in the most preferred form isfrusto-conical in shape and extends at an obtuse angle relative to face20, with the frusto-conical shape allowing nesting of panels 16 duringstorage and/or transport.

In the most preferred form of the present invention, system 10 furtherincludes provisions 48 for removably securing the edges of planar panels16 to form three-dimensional members 12 and 14. Specifically, the edgesof panels 16 terminate in a connecting flange 50 extending at an obtuseangle in the order of 105° relative to face 20. A plurality of lugs 52extend at an acute angle in the order of 60° from and equally spacedalong the free edge of flange 50 in an exterior direction. The freeedges 54 of lugs 52 are generally perpendicular to the faces of lugs 52,with lugs 52 being generally semicircular in shape. A plurality oflatches 56 extend generally at an acute angle in the order of 60° fromand equally spaced along the free edge of flange 50 in an exteriordirection, with latches 56 being located intermediate lugs 52. Latches56 are generally U-shaped including first and second legs 58 havingtheir first ends connected to flange 50 and spaced a distance generallyequal to and for slideable receipt of lugs 52. The second ends of legs58 are connected to a head 60 extending between legs 58. Head 60 furtherincludes a lower edge 64 spaced from the free edge of flange 50 of panel16 generally equal to the length of lugs 52 and for receipt of freeedges 54 of lugs 52. Detent portions 62 are formed in legs 58 adjacenttheir second ends and adjacent head 60, with portions 62 beingsemispherical in shape and extending towards flange 50. Thus, latches 56have a generally L-shape.

It should then be noted that lugs 52 of a first panel 16 are slideablyreceived in latches 56 of a second panel 16 between legs 58, with edges64 abutting and hooking with edges 54, and with lugs 52 of the secondpanel 16 being slideably received in latches 56 of the first panel 16.Thus, it can be appreciated that panels 16 are disengagably divergentgenerally in a plane in the order of 45° from opposing panels 16 and yetare locked when engaged with forces imposed at 90° to engaged panels 16.In the hooked relation, lugs 52 and latches 56 have a generally T-shapedend view and in the most preferred form have a generally cross-shapedend view, with lugs 52, legs 58 and heads 60 aside from detent portions62 lying within the same plane and defining the leg of the T-shaped endview. Detent portions 62 intersect the plane of lugs 52, legs 58, andheads 60 at a nonlinear angle, with detent portions 62 from the firstpanel 16 extending in a first direction and extending in the oppositedirection from the second panel 16 in the preferred form to define thehead of the T-shaped end view. Provisions 48 further include a connector66 for holding lugs 52 in latches 56. In the preferred form, connector66 is a slide connector and slideably receives lugs 52 and latches 56.Specifically, connector 66 in the preferred form includes a first plate166 and a second plate 168 interconnected together at right angles.Located between and integrally connected to plates 166 and 168 is a tube170 having a generally circular cross section for slideable receipt ofdetent portions 62. A diagonal cut 172 extends through tube 170 and atan angle of 45° to plates 166 and 168 and for slideable receipt of lugs52, legs 58, and heads 60. Thus, cut 172 and the interior of tube 170form a T-shaped slot 68 of a size for slideable receipt upon theT-shaped end view of lugs 52 and latches 56 in their hooked relation.

It can then be appreciated that panels 16 can be of a standardizeddesign and in the case of a cube, can be of identical construction, withpanels 16 having different orientations to arrange lugs 52 and latches56 in their hooking relation to form members 12 and 14. Further, it canbe appreciated that panels 16 including lugs 52 and latches 56 can bestacked with faces 18 and 20 in an abutting relation to save spaceduring storage and/or transport (with the nesting of tubes 24 in themost preferred form). It should further be noted that the angularrelation of flanges 50 allows provisions 48 to be flush with faces 18 ofpanels 16 assembled into members 12 and 14.

System 10 in the most preferred form of the present invention furtherincludes a clamp for removably connecting first and second structuralmembers 12 and 14 together. Generally, clamp 28 includes a primary bandhaving a central wall 30 and outwardly directed first and second sidewalls 32 and 34 extending from the first and second edges of wall 30.Walls 30, 32 and 34 have a generally channel-shaped or U-shapedtransverse cross section. Wall 30 has a width between side walls 32 and34 which is generally equal to twice the width between first and thirdfaces 18 and 25 of panel 16. Walls 32 and 34 extend from wall 30 at anangle corresponding to the angle of tube 24 with face 20, and in thepreferred form is at an obtuse angle. The primary band has a lengthwhich is less than the periphery of ports 22 and is generally annularbut U-shaped. In the preferred form, the primary band includesprovisions allowing its removable location in ports 22 of panels 16.Specifically, in the preferred form, the primary band is split andincludes first and second free ends 36 and 38 in wall 30. First andsecond, circumferentially spaced, flex notches 40 are formed in wall 32generally diametrically opposite to free ends 36 and 38. First andsecond, circumferentially spaced, flex notches 42 are formed in wall 34generally diametrically opposite to free ends 36 and 38, with thecircumferential spacing between notches 40 and between notches 42 beingcomplementary to each other and in the preferred form being equal.Notches 42 are at the same circumferential location as notches 40 toallow wall 30 to flex. Specifically, the portions of wall 30 extendingbetween notches 40 and 42 act as hinges to allow the primary band to bedistorted from a normal shape which is generally annular but U-shapedand of a size smaller than and for insertion into ports 22 to a shapewhich is generally annular but U-shaped of a size generally equal toports 22. Circumferentially spaced detents 44 are formed in the primaryband of a size, shape, number, and position for receipt in notches 26 oftube 24, with detents 44 formed by stamping side walls 32 and 34 in themost preferred form, with it being possible to form panels 16 and theprimary bands by other processes including but not limited to diecasting, vacuum forming and the like.

Clamp 28 further includes first and second secondary bands 70 eachincluding a first leg 72 having a width substantially equal to the widthof central wall 30. A second leg 74 extends from an end of each leg 72at an obtuse angle in the order of 115°. Second legs 74 include firstand second, pivot ears 76 extending perpendicular to and on oppositesides of legs 74 and extending forwardly of the ends thereof opposite tolegs 72. A pull ring 78 extends through ears 76 of first and secondsecondary bands 70 to pivotally relate first and second secondary bands70. The free ends of legs 72 are pivotally mounted adjacent to free ends36 and 38 of wall 30 of the primary band. In the most preferred form,walls 32 and 34 each include L-shaped tabs 80 extending forwardly ofends 36 and 38 of wall 30 and radially inwardly thereof. Legs 72 eachinclude first and second ears 82 integrally extending on opposite sidesof and adjacent the ends thereof opposite legs 74. Ears 82 are rotatablyreceived in apertures formed in tabs 80 located generally in line withwall 30.

In the preferred form, clamp 28 is movable between an insertion shapeand a normal shape. Particularly, ring 78 can be pulled radiallyinwardly until legs 74 are at a small acute angle approaching generallyparallel to each other as shown in FIG. 5. In the insertion shape, ears82 of legs 72 defining the pivot axes to the primary band and of freeends 36 and 38 are such that clamp 28 and specifically walls 30, 32, and34, secondary bands 70, and pull ring 78 are of a size smaller than andfor insertion into ports 22. Ring 78 can then be pushed radiallyoutwardly as shown in phantom to increase the angle between legs 74 andincreasing the spacing between ears 82 and free ends 36 and 38 to amaximum distance, with wall 30 and legs 72 of clamp 28 lying generallyalong a circle having a size generally equal to ports 22 and with legs74 extending generally perpendicular to each other. Further radialoutward movement of ring 78 causes clamp 28 to have a generally ovalshape with legs 74 at a large obtuse angle approaching generallylinearly to each other and with the spacing between ears 82 and freeends 36 and 38 decreasing from the maximum distance therebetween.

Due to the most preferred form of clamp 28 and particularly theflexibility of the primary band and the pivot locations of secondarybands 70 to each other and to the primary band, clamp 28 is biased intoeither of the insertion and oval shapes. Particularly, due to thetendency of the primary band to return to its normal shape and move freeends 36 and 38 closer together, an overcenter relationship is createdbetween secondary bands 70. Particularly, with secondary bands 70positioned in a center position with the maximum distance between ears82 and free ends 36 and 38, any further movement of pull ring 78radially outwardly will allow the primary band to return to its normalshape bringing free ends 36 and 38 closer together and biasing pull ring78 to move to the oval shape. Similarly, with secondary bands 70positioned in a center position with the maximum distance between ears82 and free ends 36 and 38, any further movement of pull ring 78radially inwardly will allow the primary band to return to its normalshape bringing free ends 36 and 38 closer together and biasing pull ring78 to move to the insertion shape.

Now that the basic construction of system 10 according to the preferredteachings of the present invention has been explained, the operation andfurther subtle features of system 10 can be set forth and appreciated.Specifically, in the preferred form, structural members 12 and 14 areplaced adjacent to each other, with faces 18 of panels 16 ofcomplementary shapes (planar in the most preferred form) abutting andwith ports 22 in an aligned position. It should be appreciated thatmembers 12 and 14 can have any rotational relation relative to eachother, with notches 26 of members 12 being axially aligned with notches26 of member 14 in the most preferred form. At that time, clamp 28 canbe placed in its insertion shape to pass through port 22 of member 12 tothe interior of member 12 and then located in ports 22 of the abuttingpanels 16 of members 12 and 14. At that time, pull ring 78 can be pushedradially outwardly moving clamp 28 from its insertion shape towards itscenter position and oval shape. With side walls 32 and 34 located onopposite sides of faces 25 of the abutting panels 16, clamp 28 willconform to an annular, clamping shape of a size corresponding to ports22 of the abutting panels 16 and specifically with wall 30 and legs 72being generally circular and abutting with tubes 24 when clamp 28reaches its center position, and with side walls 32 and 34 abutting withfaces 25 and sandwiching tubes 24 of the abutting panels 16 together. Itshould then be noted that the angular relation of walls 32 and 34 towall 30 acts as a camming surface for faces 25 to draw members 12 and 14together. Further, the complementary angular relation of tubes 24 toface 20 and of walls 32 and 34 to wall 30 causes tubes 24 to abut walls32 and 34 at a perpendicular angle for increased force transfer.

Further pushing of pull ring 78 radially outwardly moves clamp 28 fromthe center position towards its oval shape and into its connecting shapewhen abutment of legs 72 with ports 22 prevents further movement, withthe portion of pull ring 78 defining the axis between secondary bands 70abutting tube 24 in the most preferred form. However, it can beappreciated that due to the overcenter relationship of secondary bands70, clamp 28 is biased from its connecting shape toward the oval shapeand will be biased against moving toward the center position and theinsertion shape.

It should further be noted that when wall 30 extends across and abutswith tubes 24, detents 44 of clamp 28 are received in notches 26 toprevent panels 16 of members 12 and 14 from rotating relative to clamp28 and thus relative to each other. It can be appreciated that to changethe rotational position of members 12 and 14 relative to each other,clamp 28 can be moved from its clamping shape and center positiontowards its insertion shape sufficiently to remove detents 44 fromnotches 26 (but with portions of walls 32 and 34 being within the axialextent of tubes 24) and allow rotation of member 12 and/or 14 relativeto clamp 28 until the desired notches 26 are circumferentially alignedwith detents 44. Once members 12 and/or 14 are in the desired rotationalposition, clamp 28 can be moved to its clamping shape and receivedetents 44 in notches 26.

It should then be noted that if a compression force is placed on members12 and 14, faces 18 of the abutting panels 16 abut. If a tension forceis placed between members 12 and 14, faces 25 of the abutting panels 16abut with side walls 32 and 34 in a generally perpendicular manner toprevent separation of panels 16. If a shear force is placed betweenmembers 12 and 14, wall 30 abuts with tubes 24 to prevent relativemovement between members 12 and 14. It should then be appreciated thatshear forces between members 12 and 14 are contained by clamp 28 whichis placed under compression forces and which is unable to collapse withcircumferential forces due to the pivotal connections between secondarybands 70 and to the primary band. If a force is placed on members 12 and14 which would tend to produce relative rotation therebetween, detents44 of clamp 28 abut with notches 26 of panels 16 of members 12 and 14 toprevent such relative rotation. It should then be noted that forcesplaced on members 12 and 14 will typically be a combination ofcompression, tension, shear, and rotation forces.

To allow separation of members 12 and 14, clamp 28 can be moved from itsclamping shape, to its center position and to its insertion shape andspecifically to allow its removal from ports 22 of the abutting panels16 and passage to the hollow interior of member 12 or 14 and through anexterior port 22 thereof. It can be appreciated that due to theovercenter relationship of secondary bands 70, clamp 28 is biased to itsinsertion shape once clamp 28 is moved from its clamping shape beyondthe center position and will be biased against moving toward the centerposition and the oval shape. With removal of clamp 28, the abuttingpanels 16 of members 12 and 14 are not clamped together and can beseparated or otherwise moved relative to each other.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, inaddition to being of complementary shapes for abutting with each other,the interconnect or abutting faces 18 of members 12 and 14 are of anidentical, contiguous abutting configuration, and specifically system 10according to the preferred teachings of the present invention does notrequire the interconnect faces to be of an interfacing male/femalevariety. Thus, system 10 allows members 12 and 14 to have unlimited andunrestricted interconnect options and orientations at the ends or alongthe sides of members 12 and 14 or any structure formed therefrom.Further, system 10 does not require radial translation or displacementof members 12 and 14 relative to each other for connection ordisconnection thereof. Additionally, in the most preferred form, members12 and 14 of system 10 can be clamped together or be unclamped withoutthe use of tools. Further, ports 22 of the adjacent panels 16 areself-aligning with the positioning of clamp 28 therein. Thus, members 12and 14 can be easily and rapidly clamped together or separated withminimal skill required.

Further, it should be appreciated that open passage or communication isallowed through clamp 28 to the hollow interiors of the connectedstructural members 12 and 14 in the assembled condition of system 10according to the teachings of the present invention. Thus, electrical,gas, or other fluid lines can be located and pass within the interior ofsystem 10 in its assembled condition. Additionally, clamping of members12 and 14 is accomplished within and located in ports 22 of the abuttingpanels 16 and specifically members located exteriorly of ports 22 arenot required. For example, a panel 16 having a square configurationcould be interconnected to a panel 16 having the same configuration or adifferent configuration including but not limited to rectangular,circular, or triangular and can be held at any desired angularorientation relative thereto by notches 26 and detents 44.

System 10 according to the preferred teachings of the present inventionfurther includes provisions 84 for attaching or otherwise mountingaccessories to structural members 12 and 14. Provisions 84 generallyinclude a generally cylindrical sleeve 86 and a cover 88. Sleeve 86generally includes a first cylindrical portion 90 of an elongated axiallength and a diameter less than tubes 24 of ports 22. The first end ofportion 90 is closed by an integral end plate 92. An annular plate 94extends integrally and generally perpendicularly to the opposite end ofportion 90. The first end of a second cylindrical portion 96 integrallyextends generally perpendicularly from the outer periphery of plate 94.Portion 96 has an axial length longer than tubes 24 and a diametergenerally equal to and for slideable fit in the end of tube 24 at face25. An annular plate 98 extends generally perpendicularly to theopposite end of portion 96. The first end of a third cylindrical portion100 integrally extends generally perpendicularly from the outerperiphery of plate 98. Portion 100 has an axial length greater than thatof portion 96 and a diameter larger than ports 22 and tubes 24. Theopposite end of portion 100 forms the open end of sleeve 86. In thepreferred form, sleeve 86 is held in ports 22 of structural members 12and 14 due to the slideable interfit of portion 96 inside of tubes 24.In the most preferred form, a multiplicity of detents 102 such as threeare formed in portion 96 spaced from plate 98 generally equal to thedistance between faces 18 and 25. Detents 102 have a radial extent fromportion 96 and a size generally for slideable receipt through notches 26but which abut with face 25 of tube 24 intermittent notches 26. Sleeve86 can then be inserted in any port 22 of structural member 12 and 14 bysliding portion 90 therein and rotating sleeve 86 until detents 102 areaxially aligned with notches 26. Portion 96 can then be slid into port22 until plate 98 abuts with face 18 of panel 16 (which will typicallyhold sleeve 86 in port 22 due to the slideable interfit with tube 24 inthe preferred form). At that time, sleeve 86 can be rotated in port 22until detents 102 are not in axial alignment with notches 26 and abutwith face 25 of tube 24 intermittent notches 26. Thus, detents 102prevent portion 96 from being slid from tube 24 of port 22, and sleeve86 is retained in port 22.

Cover 88 generally includes a circular end plate 104 having acylindrical flange 106 integrally extending generally perpendicularlyfrom the outer periphery thereof. Flange 106 has a size and shape forslideable receipt on portion 100 of sleeve 86 and may be retainedthereon by any suitable means such as by a screw extending throughflange 106 and portion 100.

Accessories can then be mounted to and/or within provisions 84 asdesired. For example, a low voltage lamp 108 can be mounted to cover 88as shown. An electric supply cable 110 can pass through end plate 92into the interior of provisions 84 for electric connection to a suitabletransformer, not shown, for lamp 108. An electrical outlet 112 can bemounted to and extend through a suitable aperture in portion 90 in anon-interfering manner with the slideable receipt and removal ofprovisions 84 in ports 22. Similarly, other accessories such as but notlimited to telephone, computer, communication, and similar jacks andequipment can be mounted to and within provisions 84.

System 10 according to the preferred teachings of the present inventionfurther includes provisions 114 for hanging, supporting, or otherwiseattaching accessories and/or structural members 12 and 14. Generally, inthe preferred form, provisions 114 include circular end plate 116 havingcylindrical flange 118 integrally extending perpendicularly from theouter periphery thereof. The outer periphery of end plate 116 and flange118 have a diameter larger than ports 22 and tubes 24. In the mostpreferred form, end plate 116 and flange 118 of provisions 114 areidentical to end plate 104 and flange 106 of cover 88 to reduceproduction costs. Provisions 114 further include a U-shaped channel 120extending radially from a point on flange 118 and the outer periphery ofend plate 116 to a point spaced from the center of end plate 116.Channel 120 has a width larger than the distance between faces 18 and 25and a length such that the spacing between the end of channel 120 and apoint on flange 118 diametrically opposite thereto is less than thediameter of ports 22 and tubes 24. Provisions 114 further include asupport member in the preferred form of a cable 122 passing through anaperture formed in end plate 116 preferably at the center thereof andhaving an enlarged end which is not able to pass through the aperture ofend plate 116.

To install provisions 114, end plate 116 is positioned outside ofstructural member 12 or 14 to be generally perpendicular to panel 16,port 22, and tube 24. At that time, channel 120 can be slid on tube 24until end plate 116 and flange 118 diametrically opposite to channel 120is within the diametric extent of port 22 and tube 24. End plate 116 andflange 118 can then be pivoted in a plane generally perpendicular topanel 16, port 22, and tube 24 about an axis defined by the abutment ofchannel 120 on tube 24 until end plate 116 and flange 118 can be slidfrom tube 24 and into the interior of structural member 12 or 14. Endplate 116 can then be turned to be positioned generally parallel tofaces 20 and 25 and concentric to port 22 and tube 24. Flange 118 canthen be moved to abut with face 20 outside of and concentric to tube 24.It can then be appreciated that cable 122 can extend downwardly from endplate 116 to hang artwork, accessories, other structural members 12 and14, or the like. Additionally, cable 122 can extend upwardly from endplate 116 to hang structural member 12 or 14 from an overhead point towhich cable 122 is suitably secured.

Furthermore, to close structural members 12 and 14 according to thepreferred teachings of the present invention, suitable covers can besnap fit or otherwise secured in the exterior ports 22 of members 12 and14 and/or in clamp 28 in its clamping shape. In a preferred form, thecovers can include mounting provisions such as for electrical outlets orswitches, or for other accessories such as lamps, knock-out provisionsfor passage of wiring, motor shafts, and the like, or other provisionsfor hanging, supporting, or otherwise attaching accessories and the likeaccording to the preferred use of system 10 according to the preferredteachings of the present invention. Although in the preferred form ports22 are formed in all surfaces of members 12 and 14 and is believed to beadvantageous in maximizing the number of interconnect locations andoptions, members 12 and 14 could include panels 16 without the presenceof ports 22 to enclose the interior of members 12 and 14 if desired.

Structural members 12 and 14 according to the preferred teachings of thepresent invention can have a variety of forms and shapes. Particularly,members 12 could be a wall having port 22. Likewise, members 12 and 14could have elongated shapes of a fixed or variable length and includingmultiple ports 22 along its elongated length such that interconnectioncan be made at any one or any combination of ports 22. Likewise, members12 and/or 14 could be wedge-shaped or arch-shaped of either a fixed orvariable angle to allow interconnection of members 12 and 14 into anarch-like structure or could be in the form of corner stiffeners.Likewise, members 12 and/or 14 could be in the shape of a node for aspace frame. Likewise, although panels 16 are shown as being planar,panels 16 can have other configurations which have a complementary,abutting relation.

It should further be appreciated that system 10 according to theteachings of the present invention can be universally applied to makeall size beams, columns, intersections, etc. for different loads, spans,and working heights with the same modular components. Specifically,members 12 and 14 can be connected end-to-end for the desired lengthand/or can be connected side-to-side for the desired cross-sectionalsize. Likewise, members 12 and 14 can be interconnected at multiplelocations on all sides and ends to form the desired frame or structuralelement. As system 10 according to the teachings of the presentinvention does not require different size trusses or space framesdesigned or engineered for different loads and/or spans but ratherallows modular construction according to the particular application,fewer component parts are required, saving in unnecessary inventorybuild-up and cost for the manufacturer, retailer, and user of system 10.Further, the modular construction and multiple interlocking locationsprovided by system 10 according to the teachings of the presentinvention allow the relatively few components to provide more freedomand design versatility to meet the most demanding architecturalapplications or designs.

In the most preferred form of the present invention, provisions 48 ofsystem 10 further include a connector 174 for connecting side panels 16of members 12 and 14 in an end-to-end relation and for simultaneouslyconnecting an end panel 16 to member 12. Generally, connector 174includes an extended plate 176. Tube 170 having a generally circularcross section is secured to the inside face of extended plate 176 andextends along an edge thereof. Diagonal cut 172 extends through tube 170and at an angle of 45° to plate 176, with cut 172 and the interior oftube 170 forming T-shaped slot 68 for slideable receipt upon theT-shaped end view of lugs 52 and latches 56 of end panel 16 of member 12in their hooked relation with the side panels 16 of member 12. Thus,connector 174 removably attaches end panel 16 to side panels 16 ofmember 12 in a similar manner as connector 66, with the outside faces ofplates 176 being linear and contiguous with faces 18 of side panels 16of member 12. Connector 174 further includes a tube 178 having agenerally semicircular cross section secured to the inside face of plate176 and extending along the other edge of plate 176 in a fixedpositional relationship to slot 68. A diagonal cut 180 extends throughtube 178 adjacent to the flat side of the semi-circular cross sectionand at an angle of 45° to plate 176 and at an angle of 90° to cut 172.Cut 180 and the hollow interior of tube 178 of each connector 174 formsan L-shaped slot for slideable receipt upon lugs 52 and latches 56 of asingle panel 16 which is not hooked or otherwise interconnected toanother panel 16. Thus, connector 174 further removably attaches the endedges of side panels 16 of member 14 to member 12 in an end-to-endrelation, with the outside faces of plates 176 being linear andcontiguous with faces 18 of side panels 16 of member 14. In the mostpreferred form, connector 174 has a length generally equal to the widthof face 18 along an end edge of members 12 and 14. Additionally,connectors 66 for removably attaching the side edges of side panels 16of members 12 and 14 are continuous and integral between members 12 and14 and any additional structural truss members 12 and 14, withconnectors 66 sliding on lugs 52 and latches 56 of the side edges ofside panels 16 past the ends of connectors 174 connecting side panels 16of members 12 and 14 in an end-to-end relation.

It can then be appreciated that utilizing connectors 174 and continuousconnectors 66, structural members of any desired length can be createdfrom members 12 and 14 (formed of typically two component parts, i.e.rectangular shaped for side panels 16 and square shaped for end panels16) connected in an end-to-end relation. As panels 16 are typicallyformed by stamping or molding, only two types of molds are required andonly two types of component parts are required for panels 16. On theother hand, connectors 66 and connectors 174 are typically formed byextrusion such that only two types of molds are required and the lengthof the extrusion can be cut to the desired lengths. Thus, capital costsfor production and inventory of the component parts are minimizedaccording to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

It should also be appreciated that system 10 according to the preferredteachings of the present invention has a high strength-to-weight ratiofor structural support. In this regard, it should be noted that thebends forming tubes 24 and flanges 50 in the most preferred form provideenhanced structural strength and stability to panel 16 to allow thethickness between faces 18 and 20 to be minimized, with suchminimization being advantageous in reducing the material and thus thecost of manufacture and in reducing the storage/transport size of panels16 in their knocked-down, nested, stacked condition. Similarly, althoughassembly of system 10 can be quickly and easily performed without theuse of tools, the connection strength provided by clamp 28 betweenmembers 12 and 14 is to a factor of four for safety and durabilityaccording to the teachings of the present invention.

System 10 according to the preferred teachings of the present inventionhas a multiple of applications and uses. For example, system 10 could beutilized as a modular, changeable structure such as a habitat forgerbils, hamsters, or similar rodents. Similarly, system 10 could beutilized as truss structures for structures which are desired to befrequently torn down and set up such as trade show booths. It should benoted that system 10 is particularly advantageous as wiring, lights, andother electrical equipment can be located within the hollow interior ofstructural members 12 and 14 and of clamp 28. Further, system 10 isparticularly advantageous due to its small (dense pack) containerizationduring deployment of large space structural members 12 and 14 and due toits ability to assemble and disassemble without the use of tools in aminimum amount of time, especially for use in outer space or underwaterconstructions. Additionally, system 10 could act as an external trussfor a pipe or similar structure passing through the hollow interior ofmembers 12 and 14. It should then be appreciated that if such a pipewere sized to fit tightly within ports 22, such pipe would increase thestructural strength of system 10 or system 10 would also otherwiseincrease the load carrying capability across a pipe or reduce itsdeflection across the span according to the preferred teachings of thepresent invention.

Ports 22 can be utilized as attachment points for banners, shelves, andthe like according to the teachings of the present invention. Also,connectors 66 and 174 can be manufactured with sufficient tolerances toallow a thin, flexible covering to extend over faces 18 and over lugs 52and latches 56 and be sandwiched between connectors 66 and/or 174 andlugs 52 and latches 56, with the covering being utilized for any desiredfunction such as a screen, or the like. Additionally, in the mostpreferred form, clips 124 and 126 can be utilized to hold panels 128 insystem 10 to extend over faces 18 and/or span between spaced structuralmembers 12 and 14. Particularly, in the most preferred form, gaps 130are provided in flanges 50 and thus between lugs 52 and latches 56 ofpanels 16. Additionally, such gaps 130 are exposed between faces 18 ofpanels 16 and connectors 66 and 174 to define rectangular slits. Clips124 and 126 are of a one-piece, bent design having a width generallyequal to gaps 130. Generally, clips 124 and 126 each include a first legportion 132, a second portion 134 extending continuously andperpendicularly to portion 132, a third portion 136 extendingcontinuously and perpendicularly to portion 134 in a direction away fromportion 132, a fourth portion 138 extending continuously andperpendicularly to portion 136 in a direction away from portion 134, anda fifth portion 140 extending continuously and perpendicularly toportion 138 in a direction over portion 136. The length of portions 138of clips 124 and 126 is generally equal to the thickness of panel 128 tobe held for slideable receipt of an edge between portions 136 and 140.The length of portions 134 of clips 124 and 126 is generally equal tothe thickness between faces 18 and 20 of panels 16. The length ofportion 136 of clip 124 in the preferred form is generally equal to thewidth of plate 166 or 168 of connector 66 while the length of portion136 of clip 126 in the preferred form is generally equal to the width ofplate 166 or 168 of connector 66 plus the thickness of panel 128 to beheld. According to the teachings of the present invention, clips 124 and126 are fastened to structural members 12 and 14 by first sliding thefree end of portion 132 into and through a desired gap 130 until portion134 abuts with face 18 of panel 16. At that time, clips 124 and 126 canbe pivoted in gap 130 to position portion 134 in gap 130, to abutportion 132 with face 20 of panel 16, and to abut portion 136 with plate166 or 168 of connector 66. It can then be appreciated that with clips124 and 126 positioned in gaps 130 of adjacent panels 16 extendinggenerally perpendicularly to each other, a first panel 128 can be slidto abut with portion 138 of clip 124 and be flush with face 18 of theperpendicular panel 16 whereas a second panel 128 can be slid to abutwith portion 138 of clip 126 and be flush with the exterior face of thefirst panel 128 in the preferred form. However, it can be appreciatedthat the lengths of portions 136, 138, and 140 and the shapes andconfigurations of portions 138 and 140 of clips 124 and 126 can bevaried to hold different thicknesses and types of panels 128 or to holdother accessories or the like.

System 10 according to the preferred teachings of the present inventionfurther includes a welded truss 182 which can be interconnected tomembers 12 and 14, other trusses 182, or the like. Specifically, truss182 is in the shape of a right parallelepiped and includes first andsecond, parallel, spaced, panels 184 of equal length interconnectedgenerally perpendicularly between third and fourth parallel, spaced,panels 186. Panels 186 have equal length which is a numerical multipleof the length of panels 184. Panels 184 and 186 are planar and includeinterconnect ports 22. Tubes 24 integrally extend from panels 184 and186 and include notches 26 formed in the free ends thereof. Panels 184and 186 each include first and second flanges 188 extending generallyperpendicularly from the opposite edges thereof. Truss 182 furtherincludes a plurality of rings 190 having circular shapes, with thecircular shapes having diameters generally equal to the length of panels184. Rings 190 are positioned in pairs in a spaced relation extendinggenerally perpendicularly from the opposite edges of panels 184 and 186,with rings 190 being welded to flanges 188 at their abutment therewith.The number of pairs of rings 190 corresponds to the numerical multipleof the length of panels 184 for the length of panels 186, such that ifpanels 186 are three times the length of panels 184, three pairs ofrings 190 are provided, with the rings 190 in each pair being weldedwhere their peripheries abut. Rings 190 can be formed by any suitablemethod including but not limited to rolling, bending, stamping, orcasting of any suitable stock material and can have cross sections ofany suitable shape including but not limited to round or flat.

It can then be appreciated that truss 182 according to the teachings ofthe present invention is very resilient because load forces placed ontruss 182 tend to bow and not bend rings 190 due to their arcuatenature. Straight braces commonly used in trusses will tend to bend underlarge load forces and will not return to a straight condition in aunstressed condition once bent. However, rings 190 do not bend butrather bow, allowing truss 182 to return to its unstressed conditionafter removal of the large load forces.

To allow interconnection to locations intermediate panels 184 andperpendicular to panels 184 and 186, L-shaped brackets 192 can beprovided having first legs which extend over upper panel 186 and secondlegs which extend between and abut with flanges 188 of upper and lowerpanels 186. The second legs can include ports 22 and tubes 24 to allowinterconnection thereto utilizing clamps 28 in the most preferred form.The first legs include downwardly projecting pins 194 parallel to thesecond leg and which are received in corresponding apertures 196 formedin upper panel 186. If desired, pins 194 can include cotter keys or thelike to prevent undesired removal of pins 194 from apertures 196 fromupward forces.

Now that the basic teachings of system 10 according to the preferredteachings of the present invention have been set forth, other variationswill be obvious to persons skilled in the art. For example, althoughports 22 are shown in the most preferred form as being cylindrical,ports 22 can have other shapes such as having octagonal or othermultisided cross sections.

Although in the preferred form, notches 26 are formed in panels 16 anddetents 44 are formed in clamps 28 and are believed to be advantageousfor at least manufacturing reasons, it can be appreciated that therotation preventing provisions can take other forms including being atreversed locations.

Likewise, although in the most preferred form, clamp 28 is removablylocated in ports 22 of structural members 12 and 14 due to itsprovisions for moving to an insertion shape, other provisions forremovably locating clamp 28 in ports 22 can be provided. For example,structural members 12 and 14 could be separable to allow insertion ofclamps 28 in an enlarged port 22 which is then reduced with the unitingof structural members 12 and 14 to capture clamps 28 therein.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or generalcharacteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, theembodiments described herein are to be considered in all respectsillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to beindicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. Modular structural framing system comprising, incombination: first and second structural members each having first andsecond faces, with the first faces of the first and second structuralmembers having complementary shapes for abutting with each other, witheach of the first and second structural members having at least firstports formed therein, with the first ports extending through the firstand second faces of the first and second structural members and being ofthe same size; a clamp comprising, in combination: a primary bandincluding a central wall having a length less than the perimeter of thefirst ports, with the primary band being generally annular but U-shapedand having first and second free ends, with the primary band having anormal shape which is of a size smaller than and for insertion into theports, first and second secondary bands each having first and secondends, means for pivotally mounting the first ends of the first andsecond secondary bands together about a first axis, means for pivotallymounting the second end of the first secondary band relative to thefirst free end of the primary band, and means for pivotally mounting thesecond end of the second secondary band relative to the second free endof the primary band, with pivotal movement of the first and secondsecondary bands about the first axis causing the primary band to distortfrom its normal shape to further separate the first and second free endsof the primary band; wherein at least the first structural member isthree-dimensional and hollow, with the first structural member beingformed by a plurality of attachment panels having thicknesses and firstedges and by means for removably securing the first edge of oneattachment panel to the first edge of another attachment panel, with theremovably securing means comprising, in combination: a plurality oflatches extending from and equally spaced along the first edge, witheach of the latches lying within the same plane, and at least one detentportion formed in each of the latches, with the detent portionsintersecting the plane of the latches at a nonlinear angle, with theports formed in the attachment panels; an accessory comprising, incombination: an end plate having a periphery of a size larger than theport, a channel formed in the end plate and extending from a first pointof the periphery to a second point spaced from a third point of theperiphery diametrically opposite the first point a distance less thanthe size of the port, with the channel having a width greater than andfor slideably receiving the thickness of the panel, and a support membersecured to the end plate, with the attachment panels having rectangularslits spaced from the first edges, inside surfaces and outside surfaces;a clip comprising, in combination: a first portion for abutting with theinside surface of the attachment panel, a second portion extendingcontinuously and at a non-linear angle to the first portion, a thirdportion extending continuously and at a non-linear angle to the secondportion in a direction away from but parallel to the first portion, withthe third portion abutting with the outside surface of the attachmentpanel, and means secured to the third portion for holding accessories tothe attachment panel, with at least the first and second portionsincluding rectangular cross sections having a width and thickness forslideable receipt in the rectangular slit, with the second portionspacing the first and second portions a distance generally equal to thethickness of the attachment panel between the inside surface and theoutside surface, with the latches and detent portions of the attachmentpanels being L-shaped, with the latches and detent portions of first andsecond attachment panels having a generally T-shape in a latchedcondition; and a connector comprising means for forming a T-shaped slotof a size for slideable receipt upon the generally T-shape of thelatches and detent portions of the first and second attachment panels inthe latched condition.
 2. The modular structural framing system of claim1 further comprising, in combination: a sleeve, with the sleeve having afirst portion having a generally closed end and having a cross-sectionalsize smaller than the port, with the sleeve having a second portion incommunication with the first portion and having a cross-sectional sizegenerally equal to and for slideable receipt in the port, and with thesleeve having a third portion in communication with the second portionand on the opposite side of the second portion than the first portionand having a cross-sectional size larger than the port.
 3. Modularstructural framing system comprising, in combination: a slide connector;and an attachment panel, with the attachment panel comprising, incombination: a plate including at least a first edge; and means forremovably securing the first edge to an edge of another attachment panelto form a three-dimensional member; with the removably securing meanscomprising, in combination: a plurality of latches extending from andequally spaced along the first edge, with each of the latches lyingwithin the same plane; at least one detent portion formed in each of thelatches, with the detent portions intersecting the plane of the latchesat a nonlinear angle and having the same spacing from the first edge;with the slide connector having a slot of a shape slideably receivingthe latches and the detent portions of the latches.
 4. The modularstructural framing system of claim 3 wherein the detent portions aresemispherical in shape.
 5. The modular structural framing system ofclaim 3 further comprising, in combination: a connecting flangeextending at an angle relative to the plate, with the first edge beingthe free edge of the connecting flange, with the latches extending fromthe first edge.
 6. The modular structural framing system of claim 3wherein the plate further includes first and second faces and at least afirst port formed therein, with the first port extending through thefirst and second faces of the plate; and wherein the attachment panelfurther comprises, in combination: a primary band including a centralwall having a length less than the perimeter of the first port, with theprimary band being generally annular but U-shaped and having first andsecond free ends, with the primary band having a normal shape which isof a size smaller than and for insertion into the first port; first andsecond secondary bands each having first and second ends; means forpivotally mounting the first ends of the first and second secondarybands together about a first axis; means for pivotally mounting thesecond end of the first secondary band relative to the first free end ofthe primary band; and means for pivotally mounting the second end of thesecond secondary band relative to the second free end of the primaryband, with pivotal movement of the first and second secondary bandsabout the first axis causing the primary band to distort from its normalshape to further separate the first and second free ends of the primaryband.
 7. The modular structural framing system of claims 3 wherein theplate further includes at least one port and a thickness; and whereinthe attachment panel further comprises, in combination: an end platehaving a periphery of a size larger than the port; a channel formed inthe end plate and extending from a first point of the periphery to asecond point spaced from a third point of the periphery diametricallyopposite the first point a distance less than the size of the port, withthe channel having a width greater than and for slideably receiving thethickness of the plate; and a support member secured to the end plate.8. The modular structural framing system of claim 3 further comprising,in combination: a sleeve, with the plate having at least one port, withthe sleeve having a first portion having a generally closed end andhaving a cross-sectional size smaller than the port, with the sleevehaving a second portion in communication with the first portion andhaving a cross-sectional size generally equal to and for slideablereceipt in the port, and with the sleeve having a third portion incommunication with the second portion and on the opposite side of thesecond portion than the first portion and having a cross-sectional sizelarger than the port.
 9. The modular structural framing system of claim3 wherein the plate further includes a rectangular slit spaced from thefirst edge, an inside surface and an outside surface; and wherein theattachment panel further comprises, in combination: a clip comprising,in combination: a first portion for abutting with the inside surface ofthe plate; a second portion extending continuously and at a non-linearangle to the first portion; a third portion extending continuously andat a non-linear angle to the second portion in a direction away from butparallel to the first portion, with the third portion abutting with theoutside surface of the plate; and means secured to the third portion forholding accessories to the plate, with at least the first and secondportions including rectangular cross sections having a width andthickness for slideable receipt in the rectangular slit, with the secondportion spacing the first and second portions a distance generally equalto the thickness of the plate between the inside surface and the outsidesurface.
 10. The modular structural framing system of claim 3 whereinthe latches and detent portions are L-shaped, with the slot of the slideconnector being T-shaped of a size for slideable receipt upon thelatches and detent portions.
 11. Modular structural framing systemcomprising, in combination: a clip; and a panel having an edge and arectangular slit spaced from the edge, with the panel having an insidesurface and an outside surface, wherein the clip comprises, incombination: a first portion for abutting with the inside surface of thepanel; a second portion extending continuously and at a non-linear angleto the first portion; a third portion extending continuously and at anon-linear angle to the second portion in a direction away from butparallel to the first portion, with the third portion abutting with theoutside surface of the panel; and means secured to the third portion forholding accessories to the panel, with at least the first and secondportions including rectangular cross sections having a width andthickness for slideable receipt in the rectangular slit, with the secondportion spacing the first and third portions a distance generally equalto the thickness of the panel between the inside surface and the outsidesurface.
 12. Modular structural framing system comprising, incombination: a panel including an edge, a rectangular slit spaced fromthe edge, and a plate having interconnect members along an edge thereof,with a gap formed in the interconnect members, with the panel having aninside surface and an outside surface; a slide connector for receipt onthe interconnect members, with the slit formed and defined by the gapand the slide connector; and a clip comprising, in combination: a firstportion for abutting with the inside surface of the panel; a secondportion extending continuously and at a non-linear angle to the firstportion; a third portion extending continuously and at a non-linearangle to the second portion in a direction away from but parallel to thefirst portion, with the third portion abutting with the outside surfaceof the panel; and means secured to the third portion for holdingaccessories to the panel, with at least the first and second portionsincluding rectangular cross sections having a width and thickness forslideable receipt in the rectangular slit, with the second portionspacing the first and second portions a distance generally equal to thethickness of the panel between the inside surface and the outsidesurface.
 13. Modular structural framing system comprising, incombination: first and second panels each having interconnect membersalong an edge thereof, with the interconnect members of each of thepanels being L-shaped and including a first portion lying in a firstplane and a second portion intersecting with the plane of the firstportion, with the interconnect members of the first and second panelshaving a generally T-shape in a latched condition; and a connector forinterconnecting the first and second panels, with the connectorincluding a T-shaped slot slideably received upon the generally T-shapeof the interconnect members of the first and second panels in thelatched condition.
 14. The modular structural framing system of claim 13further comprising, in combination: a third panel, with the third panelhaving interconnect members along an edge thereof, with the connectorinterconnecting the third panel to the first and second panels andfurther including an L-shaped slot slideably received upon the L-shapedinterconnect members of the third panel, with the L-shaped slot being ina fixed positional relationship to the T-shaped slot.
 15. Modularstructural framing system comprising, in combination: first and secondstructural members each having first and second faces, with the firstfaces of the first and second structural members having complementaryshapes for abutting with each other, with each of the first and secondstructural members having at least first ports formed therein, with thefirst ports extending through the first and second faces of the firstand second structural members and being of the same size; and a clampcomprising, in combination: a primary band having a central wall havinga length less than the perimeter of the first ports, with the primaryband being generally annular but U-shaped and having first and secondfree ends, with the primary band having a normal shape which is of asize smaller than and for insertion into the ports; first and secondsecondary bands each having first and second ends; means for pivotallymounting the first ends of the first and second secondary bands togetherabout a first axis; means for pivotally mounting the second end of thefirst secondary band relative to the first free end of the primary band;and means for pivotally mounting the second end of the second secondaryband relative to the second free end of the primary band, with pivotalmovement of the first and second secondary bands about the first axiscausing the primary band to distort from its normal shape to furtherseparate the first and second free ends of the primary band.
 16. Themodular structural framing system of claim 15 wherein the first portshave a generally cylindrical shape; and wherein the clamp furthercomprises, in combination: means for preventing rotation of the firstand second structural members relative to each other.
 17. Modularstructural framing system comprising, in combination: a panel with atleast one port; and an accessory comprising, in combination: a sleeve,with the sleeve having a first portion having a generally closed end andhaving a cross-sectional size smaller than the port, with the sleevehaving a second portion in communication with the first portion andhaving a cross-sectional size generally equal to and for slideablereceipt in the port, and with the sleeve having a third portion incommunication with the second portion and on the opposite side of thesecond portion than the first portion and having a cross-sectional sizelarger than the port.
 18. Clamp for first and second structural memberseach having first and second faces, with the first faces of the firstand second structural members having complementary shapes for abuttingwith each other, with each of the first and second structural membershaving at least first ports formed therein, with the first portsextending through the first and second faces of the first and secondstructural members and being of the same size, comprising, incombination: a primary band having a central wall, with the primary bandbeing generally annular but U-shaped and having first and second freeends, with the primary band comprising a unitary member having agenerally channel-shaped transverse cross section with first and secondoutwardly directed side walls extending from the central wall, with theprimary band having a normal shape adapted to be inserted into theports; first and second secondary bands each having first and secondends; means for pivotally mounting the first ends of the first andsecond secondary bands together about a first axis; means for pivotallymounting the second end of the first secondary band relative to thefirst free end of the primary band; and means for pivotally mounting thesecond end of the second secondary band relative to the second free endof the primary band, with pivotal movement of the first and secondsecondary bands about the first axis causing the primary band to distortfrom its normal shape to further separate the first and second free endsof the primary band.
 19. The clamp of claim 18 for the first and secondstructural members wherein the first ports have a generally cylindricalshape; and wherein the clamp further comprises, in combination: meansformed in the primary band for preventing rotation of the first andsecond structural members relative to each other.
 20. The clamp of claim19 wherein the rotation preventing means comprises one ofcircumferentially spaced notches and detents formed in the primary bandand adapted to slideably fit in the other of the circumferentiallyspaced notches and detents formed in the first and second structuralmembers.
 21. The clamp of claim 20 wherein the first and second sidewalls of the primary band includes flex notches allowing the distortionof the primary band.
 22. Clamp for first and second structural memberseach having first and second faces, with the first faces of the firstand second structural members having complementary shapes for abuttingwith each other, with each of the first and second structural membershaving at least first ports formed therein, with the first portsextending through the first and second faces of the first and secondstructural members and being of the same size, comprising, incombination: a primary band having a central wall, with the primary bandbeing generally annular but U-shaped and having first and second freeends, with the primary band having a normal shape adapted to be insertedinto the ports; first and second secondary bands each having first andsecond ends; means for pivotally mounting the first ends of the firstand second secondary bands together about a first axis; means forpivotally mounting the second end of the first secondary band relativeto the first free end of the primary band; and means for pivotallymounting the second end of the second secondary band relative to thesecond free end of the primary band, with pivotal movement of the firstand second secondary bands about the first axis causing the primary bandto distort from its normal shape to further separate the first andsecond free ends of the primary band, wherein the first and secondsecondary bands are in a center position when the first and second freeends of the primary band have a maximum spacing and are in an overcenterrelation when the clamp is in a clamping condition adapted to clamp thefirst ports of the first and second structural members together, withthe first axis being movable radially outward from the normal shape tothe center position and then to the overcenter position.
 23. Attachmentpanel comprising, in combination: a plate including at least a firstedge; and means for removably securing the first edge to an edge ofanother attachment panel to form a three-dimensional member; with theremovably securing means comprising, in combination: a plurality oflatches extending from and equally spaced in a direction along the firstedge, with each of the latches lying within the same plane; at least onedetent portion formed in each of the latches, with the detent portionsintersecting the plane of the latches at a nonlinear angle; a pluralityof lugs extending from and equally spaced in the direction along thefirst edge intermediate the plurality of latches, with each of the lugshaving a free edge spaced from the first edge and extending parallel tothe direction, with each of the latches having a latching edgecomplementary to and for receipt of the free edges of the lugs of theother attachment panel, with each of the lugs lying within the plane ofthe latches.
 24. The attachment panel of claim 23 wherein each of thelatches comprises, in combination: at least a first leg having a firstend connected to the first edge and a second end connected to a head,with the head including the latching edge spaced from the first edge andextending parallel to the direction.
 25. Accessory for a panel with atleast one port, with the panel having a thickness, comprising, incombination: an end plate having a periphery; a channel formed in theend plate and extending from a first point of the periphery to a secondpoint spaced from a third point of the periphery diametrically oppositethe first point a distance, with the channel having a width adapted toslideably receive the thickness of the panel until the third point ofthe periphery is within the port at which time the end plate can bepivoted in a plane perpendicular to the port, the channel slid from thethickness of the panel, and the end plate abutted with the panel; and asupport member secured to the end plate.
 26. The accessory of claim 25for the panel wherein the port includes a tube having a cross sectioncorresponding to the shape of the port and integrally extending from thepanel and concentric to the port; and wherein the accessory furthercomprises, in combination: a flange extending at a non-linear angle fromthe periphery of the end plate and having a free edge, with the channelfurther formed in the flange, with the flange adapted to abut with thepanel concentric to and around the tube.
 27. The accessory of claim 26wherein the support member is a cable.
 28. Accessory for a panel with atleast one port, comprising, in combination: a sleeve, with the sleevehaving a first portion having a generally closed end and having across-sectional size adapted to pass through the port, with the sleevehaving a second portion in communication with the first portion andhaving a cross-sectional size larger than the first portion and adaptedto be slideably received in the port, and with the sleeve having a thirdportion in communication with the second portion and on the oppositeside of the second portion than the first portion and having across-sectional size larger than the second portion and adapted to beunable to pass through the port.
 29. The accessory of claim 28 for thepanel wherein the port includes a multiplicity of notches of a size andlocation, with the port being circular in shape; wherein the secondportion includes a multiplicity of detents of a size and locationadapted for slideable passage through the notches, with the secondportion being cylindrical and adapted to allow rotation of the sleeveafter the slideable passage of the detents through the notches such thatthe detents abut with the port intermediate the notches.
 30. Connectorfor interconnecting first and second panels each having interconnectmembers along an edge thereof, with the interconnect members of each ofthe panels being L-shaped and including a first portion lying in a firstplane and a second portion intersecting with the plane of the firstportion, with the interconnect members of the first and second panelshaving a generally T-shape in a latched condition, comprising, incombination: at least a first extended plate having an inside face; afirst tube having a hollow interior and secured to the inside face ofthe first extended plate; a first cut extending through the first tube,with the first cut and the hollow interior of the first tube forming aT-shaped slot of a size adapted to slideably receive the generallyT-shape of the interconnect members of the first and second panels inthe latched condition; and a second extended plate having an inside faceand interconnected to the first extended plate at a nonlinear angle,with the first tube being secured to the inside face of the secondextended tube.
 31. Connector for interconnecting first, second and thirdpanels each having interconnect members along an edge thereof, with theinterconnect members of each of the panels being L-shaped and includinga first portion lying in a first plane and a second portion intersectingwith the plane of the first portion, with the interconnect members ofthe first and second panels having a generally T-shape in a latchedcondition, comprising, in combination: at least a first extended platehaving an inside face; a first tube having a hollow interior and securedto the inside face of the first extended plate; a first cut extendingthrough the first tube, with the first cut and the hollow interior ofthe first tube forming a T-shaped slot of a size adapted to slideablyreceive the generally T-shape of the interconnect members of the firstand second panels in the latched condition; a second tube having ahollow interior and secured to the inside face of the first extendedplate; and a second cut extending through the second tube, with thesecond cut and the hollow interior of the second tube forming anL-shaped slot of a size adapted to slideably receive the L-shapedinterconnect members of the third panel, with the L-shaped slot being ina fixed positional relationship to the T-shaped slot.
 32. The connectorof claim 31 wherein the first tube has generally circular cross sectionsand the second tube has generally semi-circular cross sections.